Being black in the world: a tribute to pioneering South African psychologist Chabani Manganyi: Professor Noel Chabani Manganyi, who has died at the age of 84, was a torchbearer in psychology, literature and African intellectual thought. He was the first registered black clinical psychologist trained in apartheid South Africa, and among the first black South …
Why have authoritarianism and libertarianism merged? A political psychologist on ‘the vulnerability of the modern self’: The so-called Qanon shaman, Jacob Chansley, at the Capitol riot. Shutterstock/Johnny Silvercloud Logically, authoritarianism and libertarianism are contradictory. Supporters of authoritarian leaders share a state of mind in which they take direction from an idealised figurehead and closely identify …
Time to choose a career? A psychologist offers tips on the journey after high school: Pivotal decisions loom large for high school graduates and those with responsibility over them. The trajectory has been a fairly straightforward line until now – learning and more learning. Having completed high school, will the journey now lead directly to …
Doctor Who at 60: what qualities make the best companion? A psychologist explains: Over the past 60 years, we have witnessed the Doctor’s adventures in time and space with a multitude of companions by his side. From his granddaughter Susan and her teachers, Ian and Barbara to Ryan, Graham and Yaz – the Doctor has …
Three steps for getting over social media envy – advice from a psychologist: iSOMBOON/Shutterstock In the past, you may have envied your neighbour when they bought a new car or went on holiday abroad when you could not. Although these feelings of envy would have been perfectly valid, they were isolated incidents that would last …
Proud Boys on trial: does remorse in court signal a change for this far right group? A psychologist reviews the research: When I watched the members of the US far-right group the Proud Boys from afar before and during the Capitol riots of January 6 2021, I thought their name was quite apt. They always …
Fyre Festival II: a psychologist on why some people fall for fraudsters over and over again: If you’ve ever been scammed, perhaps you resolved to never allow someone to take you for a fool again. But research shows not everyone reacts this way and in fact some fraud victims go into denial. This might help …
Women are less happy than men – a psychologist on why and four things you can do about it: Carve out time for yourself to avoid getting overwhelmed. pexels/liza summer, CC BY-SA Something strange is going on in women’s happiness research. Because despite having more freedom and employment opportunities than ever before, women have higher …
Carlos Alcaraz’s Wimbledon win explained by a sports psychologist: Between 2003 and 2022 there have only been four men’s singles winners of Wimbledon. You need to go back to 2002 when Australian Lleyton Hewitt won the title to find a name other than the “big four” – Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Andy Murray or Rafael …
Four habits of happy people – as recommended by a psychologist: Happy habits = happy people. Pexels/Godisable jacob What makes you happy? Maybe it’s getting up early to see the sunrise, hanging out with family and friends on a weekend, or going for a dip in the sea. But what does science say about the …
Shrinking: a psychiatrist doesn’t know the “truth” and other issues with the show’s depiction of therapy, according to a clinical psychologist: Shrinking is advertised as the story of the grieving therapist Jimmy (Jason Segel) who has lost his wife and wants to try a new approach to his loss, one that involves honesty, including telling …
Six ways to reduce loneliness this Christmas – from a psychologist: Christmas isn't always the most wonderful time of the year Stock-Asso/Shutterstock Snowmen, tables groaning with food and families having a wonderful time together – these are the images that probably pop into your head when you think of Christmas. In reality, feelings of loneliness …
What is burnout and how to prevent it in the workplace – insights from a clinical psychologist: FG Trade/GettyImages People close to you, including family members, friends, and co-workers, frequently express their “stress” at this time of year. As the end of the year draws nearer people are likely to feel weary, irritable and overwhelmed. …
How to disagree without making enemies in the age of the pandemic – tips from a psychologist: Jacob Lund/Shutterstock Have you ever been mocked or abused for your views on COVID? If so, you’re not alone. Anyone wishing to engage in an open dialogue surrounding the pandemic can often encounter a hostile climate, especially online. …
The darkness of Boris Johnson: a psychologist on the prime minister’s unpalatable personality traits: Shutterstock In all the chaos that characterises the administration of Boris Johnson, it’s sometimes difficult to understand why the prime minister behaves the way he does. Why does he never really apologise or admit mistakes? Most recently, Johnson continues to insist …
Why do people watch porn at work? A psychologist on what we do and don’t know: Shutterstock The resignation of Conservative MP Neil Parish has left many people wondering what could possibly lead someone to think it acceptable to watch pornography in their place of work. After being reported by female colleagues who witnessed his …
Trauma and transformation – a psychologist on why difficult experiences can radically change us: Pexels/victor freitas It’s human instinct to avoid suffering and try to make life as comfortable and easy as possible. But paradoxically, a great deal of research has shown that suffering and trauma can have positive long-term effects. Many people who go …
Why fans cover their faces when football players take penalties – a psychologist explains: Penalty shootouts in football are one of the most unpredictable and dramatic events in sport, producing moments of utter ecstasy and deep despair in players and managers. As we saw in the recent UEFA Euro 2020 championship, fans often cover their …